Dongdaemun District to Fully Fund Cheongnyangni General Market Design Innovation Project with 22.4 Billion Won in City Budget

Full-Scale Implementation Begins After Passing Seoul Metropolitan Government Investment Review

The Cheongnyangni General Market Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, has passed the Seoul Metropolitan Government's investment review. The project will move forward as a city-funded initiative with a total budget of 22,443,000,000 won.

Aerial View of Cheongnyangni General Market Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project. Provided by Dongdaemun-gu.

Dongdaemun District announced on the 19th that the project was designated as "Conditional Implementation – Phase 2" at the 3rd Seoul Metropolitan Government Investment Review Committee in 2026. "Conditional Implementation" is a classification for projects that have passed the city's investment review. With this decision, the project will first proceed with a design competition and basic design, and then move on to the next stages after undergoing the second phase of the review.

Since the project is fully funded by the city, there is no financial burden on the district government. The district plans to collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to carry out the design competition and basic design, fulfill the conditions set by the investment review, and concretize the project plan after passing the second-stage review.

This decision reflects the district's supplementary efforts. Dongdaemun District has enhanced the project's feasibility by specifying the direction for utilizing upper spaces, reviewing urban planning facilities, establishing maintenance and management systems, and detailing disaster prevention, evacuation, and crime prevention plans.

The core of the project is not simply to renovate the market but to transform it into a stay-type traditional market. The main goal is to create public spaces where visitors can spend time by improving pedestrian circulation inside and outside the market and expanding rest and convenience areas. Previously, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to turn traditional markets in the Cheongnyangni area into a "Global Mega Market" by combining specialized alley designs, public support facilities, hanok assets, and multi-level walkways.

Plans also include installing a two-story eco-platform at the market’s core, constructing multi-level walkways that connect to the rooftops of nearby buildings, and proposing ways to utilize convenience spaces such as gardens, event zones, and restrooms.

Cheongnyangni General Market is at the heart of Dongdaemun District’s major traditional market area, alongside Gyeongdong Market, the Fruit and Vegetable Market, and the Herbal Medicine Market. Through this project, the district aims to develop the market into a hub for daily life and tourism, offering a blend of food, culture, and relaxation beyond its function as a trading space.

Deputy District Mayor Kim Kimoon stated, "This result from the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s investment review is meaningful, as it lays the foundation for the Cheongnyangni General Market Design Innovation Project to advance to the next phase. We will do our utmost to ensure that the subsequent procedures—including the design competition, basic design, and second-stage review—are carried out smoothly to improve the traditional market environment and invigorate the local commercial area."

Bird's-eye view. Provided by Dongdaemun-gu.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.